Winter Grain Bowl with Balsamic

What’s colorful, hearty, and nourishing enough to brighten up the coldest days? This winter grain bowl. Packed with roasted root vegetables, earthy grains, dried fruit, leafy greens, and creamy goat cheese, it’s tied together beautifully with a luscious balsamic dressing. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying, making it perfect for meal prep or a cozy sit-down meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This grain bowl isn’t just healthy—it’s downright crave-worthy. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes it stand out: chewy grains, sweet roasted veggies, tangy dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a smooth balsamic dressing. It’s meal prep–friendly, endlessly adaptable, and works for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it plain, top it with a fried egg, or add chicken or halloumi, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to keep on repeat all winter long.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Root vegetables, roasted (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets)

• Cooked wild rice or other hearty grain (quinoa, farro, or brown rice work well)

• Dark leafy greens (like kale, spinach, or arugula)

• Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or cherries)

• Goat cheese, crumbled

• Nuts or seeds (pistachios, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds)

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• For the dressing: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper

Directions

1. Roast the root vegetables: Toss chopped root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

2. Prepare the grains: Cook wild rice (or your chosen grain) according to package instructions. Let cool slightly if serving as a cold bowl.

3. Make the dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the bowl: Layer leafy greens at the base, followed by grains, roasted vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts or seeds.

5. Add goat cheese: Crumble goat cheese over the top.

6. Drizzle with balsamic dressing just before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap the grains: Use farro, quinoa, or barley instead of wild rice.

• Change the protein: Add grilled chicken, pan-fried halloumi, chickpeas, or a fried egg.

• Use a different cheese: Feta, blue cheese, or plant-based cheese all work beautifully.

• Try another dressing: A lemon-tahini dressing or maple-mustard vinaigrette adds a fresh twist.

• Make it nut-free: Use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of nuts.

Storage/Reheating

• Store assembled grain bowls (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Keep the balsamic dressing in a jar separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake before using.

• To reheat, warm grains and roasted vegetables in the microwave or on the stovetop, then assemble with fresh greens and toppings.

FAQs

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store ingredients separately and assemble before eating for the freshest taste.

What grains work best in this recipe?

Wild rice, farro, barley, or quinoa all add great texture and flavor.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely—just swap goat cheese for a vegan cheese or omit it entirely.

What other vegetables can I roast?

Parsnips, turnips, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash all make excellent additions.

How can I make the dressing creamier?

Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini to the balsamic dressing for extra creaminess.

Do I have to use dried fruit?

No, but it adds sweetness. You can swap it for fresh fruit like apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or orange segments.

Can I eat it warm?

Yes, you can serve the grains and roasted vegetables warm while topping them with fresh greens and dressing.

What nut works best in this recipe?

Pistachios add a unique flavor, but walnuts, almonds, or pecans also work well.

How long does the dressing last?

The balsamic dressing will keep in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed jar.

Can I freeze this grain bowl?

It’s not recommended since leafy greens and cheese don’t freeze well, but you can freeze cooked grains and roasted vegetables separately.

Conclusion

This winter grain bowl with balsamic dressing is everything you want in a wholesome meal—colorful, filling, and full of layered flavors. It’s flexible enough to suit your preferences, easy to prep in advance, and hearty enough to carry you through the coldest days. Whether eaten warm or cold, on its own or with extra protein, it’s a nourishing bowl you’ll want to keep on repeat all season long.